| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Heart of the West by O. Henry: like the tongue of a wagon. He caught something harder than a blanket
and pulled out a fearful thing--a shapeless, muddy bunch of leather
tied together with wire and twine. From its ragged end, like the head
and claws of a disturbed turtle, protruded human toes.
"Who-ee!" yelled Long Collins. "Ranse, are you a-packin' around of
corpuses? Here's a--howlin' grasshoppers!"
Up from his long slumber popped Curly, like some vile worm from its
burrow. He clawed his way out and sat blinking like a disreputable,
drunken owl. His face was as bluish-red and puffed and seamed and
cross-lined as the cheapest round steak of the butcher. His eyes were
swollen slits; his nose a pickled beet; his hair would have made the
 Heart of the West |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Spirit of the Border by Zane Grey: "Yes; we must have it over," replied Dave, getting up with a brave, effort.
Truly, if he carried that determined front to his lady-love he would look like
a masterful lover. But when he got to the door he did not at all resemble a
conqueror.
"You're sure she--cares for me?" asked Dave, for the hundredth time. This
time, as always, his friend was faithful and convincing.
"I know she does. Go--hurry. I tell you I can't stand this any longer," cried
George, pushing Dave out of the door.
"You won't go--first?" whispered Dave, clinging to the door.
"I won't go at all. I couldn't ask her--I don't want her--go! Get out!"
Dave started reluctantly toward the adjoining cabin, from the open window of
 The Spirit of the Border |